Fix Over 100 SKUs Error on Shopify to Manage Product Variations

Are you encountering the dreaded “Over 100 SKUs” error message when trying to add a product to your Shopify store? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This common issue can be frustrating, but there are simple solutions to help you overcome it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why this error occurs and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it.

Understanding the “Over 100 SKUs” Error

What are SKUs?

Before diving into the solution, it’s essential to understand what SKUs are. SKU stands for Stock Keeping Unit, which is a unique identifier for each distinct product and product variation in your inventory. For example, if you sell t-shirts in different sizes and colors, each combination of size and color would have its own SKU.

Why Does Shopify Limit SKUs?

Shopify imposes a limit of 100 SKUs per product to ensure optimal performance and maintain a smooth shopping experience for customers. This limit helps prevent potential slowdowns or complications that could arise from managing an excessive number of variations for a single product.

Common Causes of the Error

The “Over 100 SKUs” error typically occurs when:

1. You’re importing a product with too many variations
2. You’ve manually created too many option combinations
3. You’re using an app or tool that’s generating excessive variants

How to Resolve the “Over 100 SKUs” Error

1. Reduce Product Options

The most straightforward solution to this issue is to reduce the number of options for your product. Here’s how you can do it:

Review Your Product Options

Carefully examine your product’s options and determine if all of them are necessary. Are there any combinations that are unlikely to sell or that you don’t actually offer?

Consolidate Similar Options

Look for opportunities to combine similar options. For example, if you have separate options for “Small” and “Extra Small,” consider merging them into a single “Small/XS” option.

Remove Unnecessary Variations

Eliminate any options or combinations that aren’t essential to your product offering. This might involve making tough decisions, but it’s crucial for staying within Shopify’s limits.

2. Use Product Bundles

If you find that you genuinely need more than 100 variations, consider creating product bundles instead:

Create Separate Products

Break down your complex product into multiple, simpler products with fewer variations each.

Use a Bundling App

Utilize a Shopify app that allows you to create product bundles. This way, customers can still purchase multiple items together without exceeding the SKU limit on a single product.

Adjust Your Pricing Strategy

When using bundles, ensure your pricing strategy remains coherent and attractive to customers.

3. Leverage Shopify’s Built-in Tools

Shopify provides several built-in features to help manage product variations effectively:

Use the Bulk Editor

Navigate to your Shopify admin panel and use the bulk editor to quickly modify or remove multiple variants at once.

Utilize the Variant Generator

When adding new products, use Shopify’s variant generator tool to create combinations more efficiently and avoid accidentally exceeding the limit.

Regular Inventory Audits

Perform regular audits of your product catalog to ensure you’re not maintaining unnecessary variants that could contribute to the SKU limit issue.

Best Practices for Managing Product Variations

Streamline Your Product Offerings

To avoid running into the “Over 100 SKUs” error in the future, consider these best practices:

Prioritize Popular Options

Focus on offering the variations that your customers actually want. Use your sales data to identify the most popular combinations and consider discontinuing less popular ones.

Use Descriptive Option Names

Make your option names clear and concise. This not only helps customers but also makes it easier for you to manage your inventory.

Implement a Consistent Naming Convention

Develop a standardized naming convention for your SKUs. This will make it easier to track and manage your inventory across your entire product range.

Optimize Your Product Pages

Even with fewer variations, you can still provide a great shopping experience:

Use High-Quality Images

Showcase your products with clear, high-resolution images that accurately represent each variation.

Provide Detailed Descriptions

Offer comprehensive product descriptions that cover all the important details about each variation.

Implement Smart Filtering

Use product filtering options on your collection pages to help customers find the specific variations they’re looking for without overwhelming them with choices.

By following these guidelines and implementing the solutions provided, you should be able to overcome the “Over 100 SKUs” error and efficiently manage your product variations within Shopify’s limits. Remember, sometimes less is more when it comes to product options, and focusing on the most popular and profitable variations can lead to a more streamlined and successful online store.